At that time, there was still an old tradition in some cities along the Rhine known as the Carnival Confession - which, however, was only heard in the cathedral, not in other parish churches. It was meant to offer those who had indulged too much during these days the opportunity for immediate relief and cleansing of their conscience before everyday life burdened them with other worries again. Carl Zuckmayer's famous tale about love, guilt, entanglement, and man's search for mercy is among the most significant works of the author of The Captain of Köpenick, The Devil's General, and the memoirs As If It Were a Piece of Me.